Hybrids

Ford Gives Glimpse Into 2020 Lineup

Ford plans to offer hybrid versions of its F-150 and Explorer by 2020. Photo courtesy of Ford.

Ford is refreshing its vehicle lineup for 2020 with bigger bets on electrification, utility vehicles, and advanced driver-assisting technology, the company's top executives told journalists at a briefing today in Dearborn, Mich.

"Our passion for great vehicles is stronger than ever," said Jim Hackett, Ford's president and chief executive. "This showroom transformation will thrill customers, drive profitable growth, and further build toward our future of smart vehicles in a smart world."

Ford will also offer new features to commercial buyers, including a hybrid F-150 with an onboard generator for construction fleets, and is readying a next-generation Transit full-size van. Ford executives discussed ways the company is improving its design and production so vehicles reach the marketplace faster.

Ford will be introducing four new nameplates by 2020, including its 2019 Ranger midsize pickup, Bronco off-road utility and off-road compact SUV. The fourth vehicle, a battery-electric compact SUV, will be announced at a later time. Ford will also offer new-generation models of its Explorer and Escape SUVs.

Ford first showed its 2019 Ranger at the Detroit auto show earlier this year. The pickup will go on sale in January. Ford will refresh the Fusion mid-size sedan for the 2019 model year.

Additionally, the Lincoln division will release two new SUVs by 2020, including the Aviator that will debut at the New York International Auto Show later this month.

Ford plans to offer new electrified models, including a hybrid F-150 that will debut in 2020. Ford will offer gasoline-electric hybrids as well as plug-in hybrids on Ford's SUVs and vans.

Driver-assisting technology will come into play in a broader way with Ford Co-Pilot360 — a suite of five standard features across the lineup that includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a blind spot information system, a lane keeping system, backup camera, and automatic high beams.

Ford will also roll out onboard 4G LTE Wi-Fi as standard equipment by the end of 2019. There are now 1 million Ford vehicles on the road with this feature.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander will shift to a new platform, add tech, and provide a gasoline-electric hybrid that can deliver 34 miles per gallon combined, Toyota announced as it debuted the vehicle at the New York auto show.

Honda is recalling an estimated 322,897 2014-2019 Acura MDX and 2017-2019 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid vehicles because moisture may enter the tailgate lid lights, which could cause the loss of the tailgate lids lights and the taillights.

Ford's 2020 Escape will enter its fourth generation with new hybrid powertrains, flexible cargo space, and new safety technology with a goal of remaining one of the leading compact SUVs adopted by commercial fleets.